February 09, 2014

Whats Important in a Rustic Rural Cottage

She is my friend, late night talking buddy, and a creative force to reckon with, andI adore her.

If you want to know about this tray I will tell you more in a bit, but more about adesigning friend first.

I know Laura's art well, and she wanted to gift me some of her pottery (Mugs)not being much of a mug kind of person I said, "Can you make me some plates?""How many?" she replied.Not to look greedy, I just replied, "umm! 4"Of course I wanted to say enough to fill my whole cupboard my friend!

Then I asked, "could you make them so very imperfect?"She replied, "that's what i'm good at."I think she is so much better then she knows herself.

Look at the ripples, shapely design with a rustic French attitude.I am in love with their authentic feel, and rustic rural charm as if aroad side potter is selling their prized pieces.

The bottom of some of the plates have her finger prints; not expected, and not intended.

I love that the weight of Laura's plates, weighted heavy in the hands of her love; enough so,that she leaves her marks behind.Laura's D.N.A is all over her designs, and I am charmed.

Generous dessert sized plate, or for special little somethings.

I have already ordered more, and a platter in hopes to use a cupboard full for my daughter Hannah's wedding someday (only dreaming for now).We have a rustic French prairie style wedding in her future works, andcan you see yourself invited to then dine on these delicious platesof perfection, for a perfect day.

Now for the rustic tray!Smith & HawkenTargetI surprise myself with these finds of mass. I rarely buy new on accessories, but Iwill make exceptions when I see potential of making it that much better; this is what I did.Now on sale! lucky you I paid $34.99 so worth it, but now on sale for $24.99I was not happy with the wax like finish making the piece feel, and look a bit to new.So I took and sanded it down with a 60 grit sandpaper on a palm sander: it took just minutes to remove.The results were amazingly old looking, almost like an old dough bowl, but a tray.Another piece for our home to love, and it's made like nothing else.perfectly, perfect.

Doré,Yes, they are perfect in your home! I should say perfectly imperfect. I really like the glaze or slip Laura used on the dishes. The color appears delightfully creamy. Target should see that tray now... Impressive recreation into a rustic look. Glad you are feeling better, wishing you a happy week.XO,Vera

What a special treasure to know each plate was made with the hands of a friend just for you. I too love the rustic perfectly imperfect. If you can when the time comes, perhaps she would personalize a platter with your daughters new initials and wedding date...

These plates are just perfect for you, pure elegant shape as all the things you create and surrond yourself with! Love the (not wanted)fingers print: they will always remember you a sweet talented friend. Your Tray turned beautiful too. Love its natural charme!psI come back in the world after 2 weeks of assistance to all of my family sick. Finally I'm going to read the mail you send me some days ago with some silence and attention... Thank you sooooooooo much my darling friend!Silvia

Doré ma belle! Those plates are like nothing I've ever seen, ever! How lucky you are to know this artist personally, and for her to make these for you. These are wonderfully made and the style is perfect for you, for ME TOO! And that tray..I must go to Target TODAY to see if I can find one. I have had my eyes on some of those rustic looking troughs and now I can't seem to remember where I've seen them, but I must go on the hunt. What I did find my friend, is a rustic looking wooden horse that I will take a photo of to show you. You can tell me how I can rough him up a bit!

I am so happy to see you came by Doré! You have been sick! This has been a rough winter and though you may not have the cold weather like we've had (unbearable), it's been a rough start this year. I wish you healing my friend, and thank you for taking the time to come by to visit. BISOUS BISOUS!

love the pottery! i have collected pieces by rae dunn which have this imperfect wavy look i love. can't wait to discover your friend's shop. and the tray! i'm sold. so so happy to discover your beautiful blog and eye. re: IGs. we are researching the breed, and i really think the breed may be a good fit for us. our fluffy bella luna could keep an IG so warm with her warm coat!

Those plates are just perfect for your sweet home, Dore! I LOVE that Laura left her artistic fingerprints in the bottom of them. It truly makes them one of a kind originals, and something that will be cherished for years to come. She is one talented lady...just like you. ♥

Dear Dore, Lauras pottery could not be more perfect! I love the fact that you can see it is hand made. It adds so much charm! I must get a kiln..soon, that's all there is to it! Lauras work has inspired me, as you always do! I love the tray, and old dough bowls. I purchased a 130 year old dough bowl for my sister in law a few years ago, it is beautiful. The worn, smooth spots, and knicks and gouges in it show it was well loved. The tray has that same feel, as only you can manage to bring out of a brand new piece! Great find. If you get a minute, you must come and take a peek at my newest Tea Cup Fairy. She is quite sweet, even if I do say so myself! :) Have a great week Dore, warmest hugs from your very cold friend in Ky. It's 19* here, and snowing! xoxo Christel

Gorgeous pottery... I will have to pop over to visit her!And as always, you've worked magic on this Target piece. I would have never guessed it wasn't old and precious.Have a beauty filled day, Dore.xo,Lin

Doré,Artful Blogging arrived moments ago. Excited for you, my friend, I turned directly to your article. Your words reveal a kind, thoughtful and soulful heart. There is much inspiration in your blogging and the beauty you create. Rustic luxe that reveals a heart full of grace. You are unique and a true delight. XOXO,Vera

Just exquisite! And so perfect for you. What a wonderful talent. And I would not have guessed that your tray was new! Wonderful job! And thank you for your wonderful comment to me. Always such a lift in my day!

Dore, the plates are wonderful! With the fingerprints, .... perfect! You know how much I love a piece with history and charm, this has both!They look perfect in your lovely tray, you gave it a patina to be proud of. Love it!Hugs,Patti

when I saw the picture I thought oh wow that looks a lot like the Target tray....but thinking it was some posh store tray I didn't think about it meanwhile I read the fascinating tale of your plates! Viola! It was Target! I am so crushing on that tray!Now about those plates! How absolutely fabulous....romantic!Truly you have created a story that we will wait to unfold...your daughter will have a most delightfulheartfelt wedding! ...Is she engaged...

Oh, my Goodness, Dore! Your new pottery is stopping my heart. I love it. I looks as if it were hand thrown by your great, great grandfather, in France, and survived over the generations to be passed down. I hopped over to Laura's to check things out and she is such a wonderfully talented artist.

The tray is fabulous, too, especially with the distressing you did on it.

I have got to try to find the issue of Artful Blogging and read your article! I somehow missed your post about it.

Oh my god, i LOVE those plates. Love them... I am so going over to her shop. I have looked for 'real' plates like that forever. They are wonderful... Cool tray too. You roughed it up and weathered it till it looks all yummy and well worn. You know how to make everything more beautiful...

Oh ma belle! Thank you for coming to visit today! And I still have to go out and look for this trough! I want to show you something I got that I LOVE so, and maybe you can instruct me. I will come via email and at your convenience, you can answer. I am so excited about your magazine issue!! Anita

There are times that we encounteer fear and disappointments in life yet we still manage to stand up straight and face it rather that being silent. That was a very good example of being a brave person. Well, I would like to thank you for sharing a very good article it is very much appreciated, good job! You can visit my site too if you want. Have a great day.Enjoy!

Designs

MY PEACEFUL SHOP

French musing

About Me

I am French and Irish born in Southern California, yet spent a great number of years in the bay area of Northern California. When I moved back to the Southern part in 1986-87 I was on the brink of a new life. I have two children, a son Travis, and a daughter Hannah who have a beauty in expressing who they are. I am in the field of interior design, interior designer and home stager in decorating estate model homes residential, and commercial designs.
A design shop in the bay area co-opted with my mother was the strongest influence in the start of it all. Artist in fine art. My favorite time of any day is making time to create. I love to recycle and reimage found objects that then find their way into the hands and homes of a new place to rest.